How to Rent Out Hunting Rights on Your Property
How to Rent Out Hunting Rights on Your Property
If you own forest or outfield land in Norway, you're probably sitting on a resource you're not fully using. Hunting rights have real value, and demand for hunting ground is higher than most landowners think. Every year, thousands of hunters go looking for new ground, and many are willing to pay well for access.
I've spoken with quite a few landowners over the years, and a recurring theme is that many of them have never considered renting out, simply because they don't know where to start. This guide walks you through the practicalities.
Why rent out?
The most obvious reason is money. Hunting lets can generate a solid supplementary income from land that would otherwise just sit there. But there are other good reasons too.
Active hunting contributes to sound wildlife management. Moose, red deer and roe deer need to be regulated to prevent crop damage and road accidents. Without hunting, populations can grow beyond what the terrain can support. By renting out the hunting rights you ensure your property is actively managed.
You also get people moving through the ground and keeping an eye on things. Hunters frequently report trespassing, littering or damage they come across along the way.
What can you earn?
Income varies considerably depending on what kind of hunting the property offers, the size of the ground, and where in the country you are.
Small game hunting. For ground with a good ptarmigan population, you can charge between NOK 200 and 800 per hunter per day. With ground that can accommodate two to four hunters over a season of three to four months, that adds up to several thousand kroner.
Roe deer hunting. Shooting rights for roe deer typically sell for NOK 1,500 to 5,000 per animal, depending on the area.
Red deer hunting. In good red deer country on the west coast and in Trøndelag, renting out red deer hunting can yield NOK 3,000 to 10,000 per shooting permit.
Moose hunting. This is where the really serious income lies. Renting out moose hunting can bring in anything from NOK 10,000 to 100,000 per season for a vald (management unit) with a good quota, depending on location, facilities and reputation. Ground in well-known moose areas with a cabin included can command the upper end of that range.
For most landowners we're talking about an annual income of between NOK 5,000 and 50,000, depending on the scale. That's money coming in from a resource that would otherwise lie idle.
The legal side
Viltloven (the Wildlife Act) governs hunting rights in Norway. A few things you should know:
Hunting rights belong to the landowner. Under viltloven §27, it is the landowner who holds the right to hunt and trap on their own property. This right can be leased out, but it cannot be permanently separated from the land.
A written agreement is required. Viltloven §28 requires that the letting of hunting rights be done in writing. A verbal agreement on a hunting let is not sufficient and can create problems for both parties. The agreement should include:
Who is leasing (name, contact details). Which property and what area the agreement covers. Which species may be hunted. The time period the agreement applies to. Price and payment terms. Any restrictions (number of hunters, use of dogs, vehicle access). Liability and insurance arrangements.
Minimum area. For big-game hunting, a minimum area is required in order to be allocated a shooting quota. The area requirement varies between municipalities and species. Your property must meet the municipality's minimum area, or you must cooperate with neighbouring properties to form an approved vald.
Shooting permits. For big game it is the municipality that allocates shooting permits based on population targets and area. The landowner applies for a shooting quota, and the municipality allocates it on the basis of an approved population management plan.
Insurance
Insurance is something you should think through carefully. If a hunter is injured on your property, or if damage is caused to property or a third party, the question of liability can get complicated.
Most landowners should have liability insurance that covers the letting activity. Check with your insurer whether your existing property insurance covers hunting lets, or whether you need additional cover.
Also require hunters to have their own liability insurance. Most hunters' insurance policies cover liability for damage caused during the hunt. Include this as a point in the lease agreement.
Practical tips for letting
Here are a few things I've seen work well:
Draw up a map of the ground. On the hunting ground page, hunters can already search for ground county by county. Hunters want to know exactly where they can hunt. A map with clear boundaries, access routes and any protected zones prevents a lot of misunderstandings.
Be clear about the rules. Write down what applies. How many hunters can be on the ground at the same time? Are dogs permitted? Which tracks can be used? The clearer you are, the fewer disputes.
Offer something extra. Ground with accommodation, firewood, parking or a cold store for game is more attractive than bare ground. You don't need to invest much to increase the value considerably.
Set the right price. Too high a price puts people off. Too low a price undervalues the resource and can attract hunters who don't take the ground seriously. Check what similar ground in the area charges, and adjust based on what you're offering.
Build relationships. Many landowners find that the best tenants are the ones who come back year after year. Regular hunters treat the ground better, report on wildlife observations and almost become part of the management themselves. Consider offering benefits to loyal lessees.
Get started with Hunta
The easiest way to reach hunters who are looking for ground is to list your property on Hunta. Read more about how Hunta works for landowners. You create a listing with information about the ground, species, facilities and price. Hunters can find your ground through search and get in touch or book directly.
That saves you the work of advertising, handling enquiries and keeping track of things manually. You set the terms yourself, and you have full control over who gets access.
Is it worth it?
Yes, I think so. Hunting lets require some administration, but it doesn't need to be much. With a clear agreement, sensible rules and a good booking platform, you can run a well-functioning letting arrangement with minimal effort.
Your property has a value that many hunters are happy to pay for. The only question is whether you make it available.